Napkin-holder.



W. A. BALKE. NAP'KIN HOLDER.

APPLIOATION FILED SEPT. 27, 1909.

Patented July 19,1910.

IUE.

WILHELM AUGUST BALKE, 0F EISENACI-I, GERMANY.

NAPKIN-I-IOLDER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 19, 1910.

Application filed September 27, 1909. Serial No. 519,851.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, IVILIIELM AUGUST Banks, a subject of the German Emperor, and residing at Eisenach, German Empire, have invented certain new and useful Im provements in Napkin-Holders, of which the following' is a specification.

My invention relates to an improved holder or case for napkins or serviettes.

The disadvantage of t-he usual napkin rings and the like is that they do not prevent the napkin from becoming soiled by contact with other objects and through handling by servants or others; nor do they afford any means for hindering the use of the napkin by other persons. The linen and similar bags or Wrappers, again, which have been proposed for the purpose of protecting the napkin, possess the drawback that they unnecessarily confine the latter, thus obstructing proper airing and drying after use. According to my invention these defects are obviated by the provision of a holder which eifectually preserves the napkin from contact with surrounding articles or the hands of others, while at the same time not excluding free access of air, whereby all hygienic requirements are satisfied. The container is also such that it may be furnished with a lock or padlock if desired, whereby unauthorized extraction or use of the napkin is precluded.

A practical embodiment of the invention is depicted'in the accompanying drawing, in which- Figure l is a lperspective view, and Fig. 2 a plan.

The holder consists of a skeleton or frame of transverse rings or bands a, hinged at e, and united by longitudinal strips or bars b.

To this frame there is applied a shell (Z which presents perforations or openings of any desirable size and nature. The said parts may be constructed of metal, horn, bone, Celluloid, or other suitable material. The ends of the cylindrical case thus formed are guarded by wires, threads, or like filamentous members g, extending for example radially from the two end rings aand joined for instance in a central knotted loop, which may serve to hang up the holder.

7' is a lock or other fastening of any suitable description.

A name plate or the like might be attached to one of the rings a.

Such a holder constltutes a very convenient hygienic container for a folded napkin, which can be most readily inserted or removed after merely opening the fastening and turning back the two halves of the case on the hinges e. The wires or the like g effectively prevent the napkin from slipping out, while in no wise hindering free access of air, which can likewise pass unobstructed through the perforated shell al.

Having thus described my invention, I declare that what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is- A napkin holder, comprising a frame of transverse hinged rings connected by longitudinal bars, and a shell present-ing openings applied to the said frame, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILHELM AUGUST BALKE.

Witnesses FRIEDRICH G. WILHELM, EDWARD PoIIL. 

